GSP against Shields should be a fight that’s on the ground a lot. Shields is king of the lay-and-pray technique while GSP is the best fight in MMA. He should continue his reign as champion. Speaking of top fighters, people will find out real quick Aldo is also one of the best fighters in MMA and I don’t see him losing for quite some time. Sucks too because Hominick is a really good fighter and incredibly technical. I like Couture for fighting at his age, but Machida is prime to return and is way to active of a fighter defensively to lose. I doubted Brilz once before and he almost beat Noguira. Vlad is on the downswing and I don’t think he has enough to stop Brilz. As for the final fight, Henderson is a badass and should have no problem dominating the fight.

Even though the Bulls are favored, I think this games going to be a lot closer than you think. For once, the Hawks showed resiliency and played DEFENSE in the post-season. The Orlando Magic’s entire team, besides Dwight Howard, struggled to get into rhythm the entire series. If they want any chance of upsetting the Bulls they must continue to defend the basket. Offensively, the Hawks must attack the rim. At times against Orlando, they would settle for bad jumpers and wouldn’t share the basketball. Their defense was able to bail them out, but they better not get lazy against Chicago. The Bulls have the “most likely” NBA MVP, Derrick Rose, and he was unstoppable in Chicago’s opening series (or should I say all season?). I have no doubts that Rose will continue to put up his huge numbers. Even though Rose has been tearing it up, Chicago must find another player to go to down the stretch. Eventually, Rose is going to fall short in the final minutes. You can’t rely on him to bail you out every time.

X-Factors:

Bulls, Carlos Boozer: Boozer needs to get it going offensively. He only averaged 10.0 points in the opening series, which is way under his regular season average (17.5). Chicago didn’t sign for his services just so he can score 10 points a game in the playoffs.

Hawks, Jamal Crawford: In my opinion, he was one of the main reasons why Atlanta was able to beat down the Magic. He averaged 20.5 points off the bench and outscored the entire Orlando bench in multiple games. He needs to stay red hot as Atlanta lacks depth compared to Chicago.

Verdict:

Bulls in 6

2. Miami Heat v. 3. Boston Celtics

As we expected these two new rivals meet again. Both teams enter the second round after breezing past their opening opponents. The Heat are finally looking like the scary team we were waiting for. I have no idea how Boston is going to slow down their big three, but they must find a way. LeBron James has quietly put up MVP like numbers and he will be the focal point Miami’s offense. Boston’s front court must be able to protect the paint. Not only against James, but the Celtics must keep the Heat from scoring in the paint. Miami isn’t the greatest jump shooting team and tends to run into scoring droughts when settling for jumpers. Both teams match up well and this one can go either way. It’ll be interesting to see which big three comes up on top.

X-Factors:

Heat, Chris Bosh: LeBron James and Dwayne Wade have continued to put up monster numbers all season, but Bosh has had an up and down year with the Heat. He stepped it up in the opening series which helped Miami take care of business. Whenever Bosh plays great the Heat play great. He needs to play aggressive and attack the rim instead of settling for jumpers.

Celtics, Rajon Rondo: The Celtics will go as far as Rondo takes him. He is the facilitator of the Celtic offense. Rondo torched the Knicks in the 1st round, not only with dishes, but also scoring the basketball. In Boston’s three wins over the Heat, Rondo had 17, 16, and 10 assists. He only had 5 in their one loss to Miami. If Rondo can exploit Miami’s poor point guard play they will win the series.

Verdict:

Heat in 7

Western Conference

4. Oklahoma City Thunder v. 8. Memphis Grizzlies

I don’t think anyone expected the Grizzlies to make it here as they dominated the San Antonio Spurs in the 1st round, making it one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. The Grizzlies have played excellent defense in the post-season and as they continue to use their physicality to their advantage. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol were unstoppable in the opening series, but they will have their hands full against the Thunders’ bigs, Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka. I don’t believe they are going to be as dominant as they were against the Spurs. Oklahoma City isn’t small or weak. They also have two superstars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. If Memphis wants to keep their miracle run going, they must get high production from their back court and continue to play aggressive on both ends of the floor.

X-Factors:

Thunder, Serge Ibaka: His match up against Zach Randolph will be critical in this series. Randolph displayed his dominance against San Antonio and has the abilities to dictate an entire series. If Randolph dominates the point it could be a long night for the Thunder. Luckily for them, Ibaka led the NBA with most blocks and leads the playoffs with 4.8 blocks per game. Not only will he need to defend the rim, but he must be able to rebound the basketball.

Grizzlies, Mike Conley: In my opinion, Conley outplayed Tony Parker in the opening series, but will have his hands full against Russell Westbrook. Conley must continue to play with consistency, as his point guard play will be vital in this one. In his first playoff series, he was able to cause havoc for San Antonio. He isn’t afraid to hit the big jumper or attack the rim. He needs to have a good series if Memphis wants another upset.

Verdict:

Thunder in 7

2. Los Angeles Lakers v. 3. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs finally got the monkey off their back as they prevailed in 6 against a tough Portland squad. It was a huge relief since they have been trounced in the opening round in three of their last four post-season trips. In my opinion, this is a favorable match-up for the Lakers. Lakers struggle against teams with quick point guards. No disrespect to Jason Kidd, but he’s not exactly quick. Also, the Mavericks don’t have physicality in the post. Dirk Nowitzki is more of an outside shooter and Tyson Chandler can’t do much in the post. Dallas is more of a jump shooting team. If Dallas wants success they must win the points in the paint. In their huge breakdown against Portland, Dallas settled for jumpers instead of going inside which started the undeniable comeback. They cannot allow Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum control this series. Dallas’ bench must be able to show another strong performance as well. Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic were tremendous. They must show up again. It’s hard to believe will be the first time Kobe will go up against Dirk in the post-season.

X-Factors:

Lakers, Gasol and Bynum: The Lakers must feed these big guys as they were the difference makers in LA’s two wins over the Mavs during the regular reason. They dominated the paint against Dallas. Both big men have the abilities to change a game and their presence must be felt. Their performance will dictate how far the Lakers will go.

Mavs, Jason Terry: Terry was huge for Dallas in the opener as he displayed his magic touch from the outside. Terry is key to Dallas’ success. He must give Dirk from support and continue to hit big shots. If he can hit his 3’s they can be a tough team to beat.

The NFL is most commonly referred to as a crap shoot because no matter how much research and time teams invest into learn about prospects, players will still bust and you never truly know what you’ll get. However, there always seem to be players who are bound to be successful no matter what circumstances they’re put into. Here’s my list of 5 players who I know will be successful players regardless of what team they go to.

1) Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

I don’t get how people think Amukamara can end up being a bust. They used to say he wasn’t fast enough, but he turned in a 40 time of 4.43 seconds. Then they said he didn’t have great balls skills. He picked off 5 passes and knocked down 24 in 2 seasons. Corners are tough to gauge, but Prince is incredibly reliable and the type of player who you can leave on an island and not have to worry about him.

2) Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Defensive tackles in the top 10 have been incredibly hit and miss. You’ve got studs like Kevin Williams and Ndamukong Suh who are pro bowlers and flops like Dewayne Robertson and Jonathan Sullivan. Dareus separates himself from the group of busts by being an incredibly hard worker and having a non-stop motor. He’s almost unblockable and can play multiple positions in multiple defenses.

3) Rodney Hudson, G/C, Florida State

Hudson is going to succeed, no questions asked. He’s probably one of the most intense players in the draft. He’s undersized, but he plays like he’s 30 pounds heavier. He has amazing football savvy and plays multiple positions which is an amazing value for teams. I can’t see a scenario in which Hudson doesn’t succeed, which is saying a lot considering he’s a second rounder.

4) Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

I’ve stated this 1,000 times: this year’s tight end class is horrendous. Some of these players getting mentioned as day 2 prospects are jokes outside of DJ Williams. However, Rudolph has everything you want in a tight end. Good size, smooth athlete, a natural receiver, and the ability to block in-line. He’s the complete package at the tight end position.

5) Mason Foster, LB, Washington

I hate to say it, but I’m not to sold on too many of the linebacker prospects in this draft . . . with the exception of Foster. He’s got natural ability and is a leader on the field who leaves it all there. He has a good blend of size and speed and reacts incredibly quickly to plays in front of him. Foster is one of those players who refuses to fail and he’ll be a starter in the NFL for several years to come.

The NFL is most commonly referred to as a crap shoot because no matter how much research and time teams invest into learn about prospects, players will still bust and you never truly know what you’ll get. However, there always seem to be players who are bound to be successful no matter what circumstances they’re put into. Here’s my list of 5 players who I know will be successful players regardless of what team they go to.

1) Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

I don’t get how people think Amukamara can end up being a bust. They used to say he wasn’t fast enough, but he turned in a 40 time of 4.43 seconds. Then they said he didn’t have great balls skills. He picked off 5 passes and knocked down 24 in 2 seasons. Corners are tough to gauge, but Prince is incredibly reliable and the type of player who you can leave on an island and not have to worry about him.

2) Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Defensive tackles in the top 10 have been incredibly hit and miss. You’ve got studs like Kevin Williams and Ndamukong Suh who are pro bowlers and flops like Dewayne Robertson and Jonathan Sullivan. Dareus separates himself from the group of busts by being an incredibly hard worker and having a non-stop motor. He’s almost unblockable and can play multiple positions in multiple defenses.

3) Rodney Hudson, G/C, Florida State

Hudson is going to succeed, no questions asked. He’s probably one of the most intense players in the draft. He’s undersized, but he plays like he’s 30 pounds heavier. He has amazing football savvy and plays multiple positions which is an amazing value for teams. I can’t see a scenario in which Hudson doesn’t succeed, which is saying a lot considering he’s a second rounder.

4) Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

I’ve stated this 1,000 times: this year’s tight end class is horrendous. Some of these players getting mentioned as day 2 prospects are jokes outside of DJ Williams. However, Rudolph has everything you want in a tight end. Good size, smooth athlete, a natural receiver, and the ability to block in-line. He’s the complete package at the tight end position.

5) Mason Foster, LB, Washington

I hate to say it, but I’m not to sold on too many of the linebacker prospects in this draft . . . with the exception of Foster. He’s got natural ability and is a leader on the field who leaves it all there. He has a good blend of size and speed and reacts incredibly quickly to plays in front of him. Foster is one of those players who refuses to fail and he’ll be a starter in the NFL for several years to come.

The phrase boom or bust gets thrown out a lot with regards to the NFL draft. It refers to a player who will either be a superstar or completely flop and do nothing; basically there’s no middle ground or mediocrity. With that said, there are definitely a few players in this year’s draft. There are several out there, but here’s my short list and descriptions of 5 players who I think will either shine in the NFL or be out in 2 seasons.

1) Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Smith has everything that you could want from a cornerback. Great size, awesome speed, fluid athlete, sure tackler, and great ball skills. However, Smith also have everything you DON’T want from a cornerback as well: drug charges, arrests, and overly cocky. Some love Smith’s talent and think he’s being cast in a bad light while others think he’s a punk who will be another Jimmy Williams.

2) Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

Mallett is the epitome of boom or bust. Mallett has probably the best arm strength of any quarterback since Jamarcus Russell. Subsequently, he also has similar question marks about his character. People think he might have drug abuse problems and makes terrible personal decisions. He has the talent, but it seems like the outside factors could effect Mallett in a negative way.

3) Allen Bailey, DL, Miami

Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. NFL scouts love potential, and Bailey has it in spades. Nobody should be as big (6’3″, 285 lbs), strong (27 reps on bench), and fast as Bailey is (4.71 40 time). However, many question if this is all Bailey is. He looks lost on the field and doesn’t even look like he knows what he’s doing. He may be another player who never be anything because athleticism doesn’t equal talent.

4) Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

This one may surprise people, but hear me out. Solder is extremely athletic and has the range you want for a tackle. However, I haven’t seen that killer instinct you want in an offensive linemen ever. He always seems to play timid and his build confuses me as he looks way too strung out. He could prove me wrong, but Nate Solder could either be the future of offensive tackles or the next Seth Wand.

5) Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

Houston put up massive numbers in the SEC as a pass rusher which is no easy task. He has a nice combination of size and speed as well which makes him an interesting prospect. However, teams have questioned his motor and inconsistency as they think it was actually Houston being lazy. It also doesn’t help that he was arrest on marijuana charges and then failed the combine drug test.